Food based homogenizer

ABSTRACT

A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/108,112, filed on May 16, 2011 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/378,662, filed Aug. 31, 2010 and61/440,939, filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a food homogenizer thateasily enables people, through an easy to operate and easy to cleanmachine, to make a healthy dessert from frozen fruits, nuts, chocolates,non-frozen foods, and other ingredients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice cream, sherbet, and frozen similar frozen desserts are well liked bymany people, but the opportunity to easily make frozen desserts at homefrom healthy ingredients can be a challenge. The present inventiongenerally relates to a food-based homogenizer, more specifically a smallcounter-top kitchen appliance that is simple to use and easy to cleaninto which a user inserts frozen fruits, nuts, chocolates, and otheringredients, and which homogenizes the ingredients into a soft texturewith a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet, and then extrudesthem through an exit spout directly into the users bowl for consumption.The present invention is not limited to use with frozen fruits, however,and can be used with a variety of non-frozen foods as well.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover,this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of theinvention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose ofthe summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base comprising a driving motor with a driveshaft. A homogenizer assembly is removably coupled to the base,comprising a homogenizing chamber, a rotational support disposed withinthe homogenizing chamber, and a shredder disposed within thehomogenizing chamber and driven by the driving motor for rotationalmovement within the homogenizing chamber. The shredder is axiallysupported for rotation within the homogenizing chamber between the driveshaft and the rotational support.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base comprising a driving motor with a driveshaft. A homogenizer assembly is removably coupled to the base,comprising a homogenizing chamber and a shredder driven by the driveshaft for rotational movement within the homogenizing chamber. Theshredder comprises a socket mechanically coupled to the drive shaft. Anend cap is removably coupled to the homogenizing chamber to retain theshredder within the homogenizing chamber. A sealing element isconfigured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the base and thehomogenizer assembly. The sealing element comprises a first sealingflange abutting and circumscribing the socket of the shredder to providea generally continuous seal between the socket and the homogenizingchamber.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base and a homogenizer assembly removablycoupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly comprises a homogenizingchamber, an inlet chute in fluid communication with the homogenizingchamber, an exit spout separate from the inlet chute and in fluidcommunication with the homogenizing chamber, and a twist-lock coupler toremovably couple the homogenizer assembly to the base. The homogenizingchamber, inlet chute, exit spout, and twist-lock coupler are formedtogether as a monolithic structure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base comprising a driving motor, a homogenizingchamber, and a shredder disposed within the homogenizing chamber anddriven by the driving motor for rotational movement within thehomogenizing chamber. The shredder comprises a conical body extendingfrom a generally cylindrical base towards a vertex and comprises anupper conical surface. The shredder comprises a plurality of bladesarranged radially outward from the upper conical surface, wherein eachof the plurality of blades is arranged at an angle of approximately 45degrees relative to the cylindrical base. In one example, the pluralityof blades are generally equally spaced about the upper conical surface.In another example, the plurality of blades comprises six blades. Inanother example, the plurality of blades are removably coupled to theshredder. In another example, the plurality of blades are serrated. Inanother example, the upper conical surface comprises a depressiondisposed between an adjacent pair of the plurality of blades. In anotherexample, the depression comprises a generally triangular geometry withgradually sloping sides. In another example, the upper conical surfacecomprises a plurality of linear slots extending at least partiallybetween the generally cylindrical base and the vertex, and each of theplurality of linear slots being configured to receive one of theplurality of blades. In another example, the shredder further comprisesa removable top that defines the vertex of the shredder, and removal ofthe top from the shredder providing access to an open end of each of theplurality of linear slots. In another example, the plurality of bladesare molded into the shredder. In another example, the plurality ofblades are formed together with the upper conical surface as amonolithic structure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base and a homogenizer assembly removablycoupled to the base. The homogenizer comprises a homogenizing chambercomprising an inner surface, and an exit spout providing fluidcommunication between the homogenizing chamber and an outsideenvironment. The exit spout comprises a non-symmetrical depressionformed with the inner surface extending from a first portion having agenerally gradual slope relative to the inner surface of thehomogenizing chamber and towards a second portion having a generallyabrupt slope defining an end face that is arranged at an angle greaterthan about 60 degrees relative to the inner surface of the homogenizingchamber. In one example, the end face is arranged generallyperpendicular relative to the inner surface of the homogenizing chamber.In another example, the non-symmetrical depression provides an exitaperture with an increasing cross-sectional area having a maximum valueadjacent the end face. In another example, the exit spout furthercomprises a guard extending across at least a portion of the exitaperture.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base and a homogenizer assembly removablycoupled to the base, comprising a homogenizing chamber and an inletchute in fluid communication with the homogenizing chamber. A plunger isconfigured to be received by the inlet chute and has a curved terminalface that cooperates with the homogenizing chamber to provide agenerally continuous interior surface for the homogenizing chamber. Inone example, the plunger further comprises an enlarged handle distallylocated from the curved terminal face that acts as a stop configured tolimit insertion of the plunger into the inlet chute to an insertiondepth where the curved terminal face cooperates with the homogenizingchamber to provide the generally continuous interior surface for thehomogenizing chamber. In another example, the inlet chute comprises anopen end with a non-symmetrical geometry, and the enlarged handlecomprises a non-symmetrical geometry that corresponds with thenon-symmetrical geometry of the open end of the inlet chute. In anotherexample, the enlarged handle is configured to mate with the open end ofthe inlet chute to provide the stop. In another example, the inlet chutedefines an inner cross-sectional area, and the plunger comprises anelongate body having a cross-sectional area that substantially extendsacross the inner cross-sectional area of the inlet chute. In anotherexample, the interior surface of the homogenizer chamber forms agenerally conical geometry, and wherein the terminal face comprises anon-symmetrical geometry corresponding with the conical interior surfacefor the homogenizing chamber.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a foodhomogenizer comprises a base comprising a driving motor, and ahomogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizerassembly comprises a homogenizing chamber comprising an interiorsurface, and a shredder disposed within the homogenizing chamber anddriven by the driving motor for rotational movement within thehomogenizing chamber. The shredder comprises a plurality of bladesarranged radially outward from an upper surface of the shredder with atleast one blade comprising a terminal blade edge. A maximum gap betweensaid terminal blade edge and the interior surface of the homogenizingchamber is about 3 millimeters. In one example, the plurality of bladeseach comprise a respective terminal blade edge, and wherein a maximumgap between any of said terminal blade edges and the interior surface ofthe homogenizing chamber is about 3 millimeters. In another example, thehomogenizer assembly further comprises an exit spout providing fluidcommunication between the homogenizing chamber and an outsideenvironment. The exit spout comprises a non-symmetrical depression thatcooperates with the inner surface, and a gap between said terminal bladeedge and the non-symmetrical depression of the exit spout is greaterthan 3 millimeters. In another example, the driving motor rotates theshredder at a rotational speed within the range of 300 to 400revolutions per minute.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present example and explanatoryembodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview orframework for understanding the nature and character of the invention asit is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide afurther understanding of the invention and are incorporated into andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate variousexample embodiments of the invention, and together with the description,serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionrelates upon reading the following description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example food homogenizer;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the food homogenizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken through line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the food homogenizer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an example homogenizer assembly;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example homogenizing chamber;

FIG. 7 is a bottom, perspective view of the homogenizing chamber of FIG.6;

FIG. 8 is a partial, exploded view of an example shredder;

FIG. 9 is a bottom, perspective view of the shredder of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows detail view 10 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows detail view 11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken through line 12-12 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 13 shows detail view 13 of FIG. 3, rotated for clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the presentinvention are described and illustrated in the drawings. Theseillustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the presentinvention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention canbe utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices.Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and isnot to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further,in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed fordesignating the same elements.

Turning to the shown example of FIG. 1, a food based homogenizer 20capable of shredding food is shown. The food based homogenizer 20 iscapable of blending various types of food products, including frozenfruits, nuts, chocolates, and other ingredients. The blended foodproduct may have a soft puree texture with a similar consistency to icecream, sherbet, and the like. Though it is understood that the term“homogenize” refers to a uniform mixture of elements, as used herein,the term “homogenize” is intended to generally refer to a somewhatuniform mixture of elements, and may also encompass non-uniform mixtureof elements depending upon the particular food products being used andthe degree to which they are shredded/broken down by the food basedhomogenizer 20.

The food based homogenizer 20 includes a base 22 and a homogenizerassembly 24. The base 22 and homogenizer assembly 24 are removablyattachable and detachable from each other. A receiving vessel, such as abowl 26, is illustrated positioned to receive the blended food productfrom the homogenizer assembly 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the food based homogenizer 20 includes a base 22to be supported on a support surface 28, such as a table top, counter,or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the base 22 includes a driving motor 30with a drive shaft 32. The driving motor 30 is fixedly supported withinthe base 22 by one or more motor supports 34, 36. Various types of motorsupports 34, 36 can be utilized, such as a motor socket with flangesoriented vertically and perpendicularly to the driving motor 30. Thedrive shaft 32 can directly or indirectly supply rotational motion topower the operation of the food based homogenizer 20. For example, asshown in FIG. 3, the drive shaft 32 is fed through gearbox 38 that feedsa driven shaft 40. The gearbox 38 can be a step-down gearbox thatincreases the torque supplied by the driving motor 30 while alsoreducing the rotational motion speed. In one example, the gearbox 38 canhave a step-down ratio in the range of 40-50:1, or even in the range of45-47:1. For example, the gearbox 38 can be configured to rotate thedriven shaft 40 at a rotational speed of about 300-400 revolutions perminute, though other speeds are contemplated. Various types of gearboxes38 can be utilized comprising various numbers and types of gears,including spur gears, bevel gears, etc. In the shown example, thegearbox 38 is a planetary gear train.

The driving motor 30 can be, of generally cylindrical shape can be isprovided in the base 22 with the drive shaft 32 being arranged at anangle a relative to the base 22. The angle a can be measured variously,such as relative to the plane of the support surface 28 that the base 22rest upon. In the shown example, the drive shaft 32 is arranged at a 45°angle relative to the base 22 and plane of the support surface 28. Asshown, the driven shaft 40 can be generally parallel to the drive shaft32 such that both are similarly arranged at a 45° angle relative to thebase 22. Still, it is contemplated that, due to the gearbox 38, thedrive shaft 32 of the driving motor 30 may be arranged at some otherangle, while the driven shaft 40 is arranged at a 45° angle relative tothe base 22.

The drive shaft 32 and/or driven shaft 40 are described above asextending at a 45° angle from the center of the motor. It is to beunderstood, that the motor and drive shaft may be oriented at varyingangles with respect to each other and to the base 22. For instance, themotor may be oriented horizontally, vertically, or at a varying angle inbetween with the drive shaft 32 and/or driven shaft 40 extending fromthe top of the motor 30 at a 45° angle through a hole centered in thebottom of the lower portion of the base 22. Alternatively, the motor 30may be oriented at a 45° angle with the drive shaft 32 extending throughthe centerline of the motor 30 and, thus, the drive shaft extends at a45° angle. The gearbox 38 and driven shaft 40 can be correspondinglyarranged.

As shown in FIG. 3, the driven shaft 40 is attached to a drive coupler48 that is similarly oriented at a 45° angle relative to the base 22.The drive coupler 48 can be a stub shaft or the like that is fixedlysecured to the driven shaft 40 so as to rotate therewith. As shown, thedrive coupler 48 extends through a hole in the base 22 and is the onlyportion of the motor structure that is visible from outside of the base22 (see FIG. 4). The drive coupler 48 is configured to easily interfacewith the homogenizer assembly 24 to provide rotational operation. Thedrive coupler 48 can have a keyed geometry, such as a hexagonal geometrythat provides six drive surfaces, for a simplified interface with thehomogenizer assembly 24. Other geometries are contemplated, such assquare, rectangle, triangular, polygonal, random, notched, or otherwisekeyed, spline, etc. The geometry of the drive coupler 48 is configuredto have sufficient strength to transmit the desired torque from thedriving motor 30 at the desired rotational speed.

The base 22 can further provide various other features. For example, thebase 22 can provide operator controls, such as an on-off switch 42(FIG. 1) to selectively provide power to the driving motor 30. It iscontemplated that a speed selector or even pulse operation controlscould be provided. The base 22 can also provide a coupling arrangementfor removably receiving the homogenizer assembly 24. In the shownexample, the base 22 provides a twist-lock arrangement 44 for securelyreceiving the homogenizer assembly 24. The homogenizer assembly 24includes one or more twist-lock coupler(s) 45 (see FIGS. 6-7) to bereceived by and interface with the twist-lock arrangement 44 of the base22. In one example, the twist-lock arrangement 44 can provide aplurality of mounting apertures adapted to receive and engage thetwist-lock couplers 45 to couple the homogenizer assembly 24 to the base22. As shown, three twist-lock couplers 45 are aligned with the mountingapertures of the twist-lock arrangement 44 to be inserted therein.Additionally, the direction of twist for securing the homogenizerassembly 24 into the twist-lock arrangement 44 of the base 22 can be thesame direction of rotation as the driven shaft 40 so as to reduceloosening the homogenizer assembly 24 during operation of the food basedhomogenizer 20. One or more of the twist-lock coupler(s) 45 can includea positive retention structure, such as a raised bump or the like thatcan interface with a corresponding recess within the mounting aperturesof the twist-lock arrangement 44. Engagement of the bump with thecorresponding recess can provide a positive attachment that resistsdisengagement, and/or provides a tactile feedback of a positiveconnection.

Additionally, the base 22 can include a safety switch 46 that willinterrupt operation of the driving motor 30 unless the homogenizerassembly 24 is secured to the base 22. The safety switch 46 can cutpower to the driving motor 30, or otherwise stop operation of the foodbased homogenizer 20. In one example, the safety switch 46 (which may ormay not provide a visual indicator) can be disposed within or adjacentto the mounting apertures of the twist-lock arrangement 44. Thus, thesafety switch 46 can be actuated (physically, optically, etc.) by thetwist-lock coupler 45 to thereby permit operation of the driving motor30 when a twist-lock coupler 45 is received by the twist-lockarrangement 44. Conversely, operation of the driving motor 30 is notpermitted unless the twist-lock coupler 45 is engaged with the mountingaperture of the twist-lock arrangement 44. Additionally, the base 22and/or driving motor 30 can include fuses to prevent thermal orelectrical overload conditions.

Turning now to FIGS. 4-7, the food based homogenizer 20 includes ahomogenizer assembly 24 where the shredding and blending of varioustypes of food products is performed. The homogenizer assembly 24includes a homogenizing chamber 50, a shredder 52, a sealing element 54,and an end cap 56. An inlet chute 58 is arranged in fluid communicationwith the homogenizing chamber 50, and an exit spout 60, separate fromthe inlet chute 58, is also in fluid communication with the homogenizingchamber 50. A plunger 62 is configured to be at least partially receivedby the inlet chute 58. As shown in FIG. 4, the homogenizer assembly 24is configured to be disassembled to permit easy cleaning andmaintenance.

The end cap 56 is removably coupled to the homogenizing chamber 50 toretain the shredder 52 and sealing element 54 within the homogenizingchamber 50. In one example, the end cap 56 is removably coupled to thehomogenizing chamber 50 by a threaded coupling (either can havemale/female threads). As shown, the homogenizing chamber 50 may beremovably attached to the end cap 56 by inserting the bottom edge of thehomogenizing chamber 50 into a top opening of the end cap 56. Therefore,the screw threads may be aligned and the end cap 56 rotated untilrotation guided by the screw threads is complete. Alternative oradditional securing means may be provided to secure the homogenizingchamber 50 to the end cap 56. For instance, latches, twist-locks, hooks,apertures, mechanical fasteners, or the like may be provided on eitheror both to allowing for attachment therebetween. Conversely, once theend cap 56 has been removed from the homogenizing chamber 50, theshredder 52 and sealing element 54 can be removed.

Attachment of the end cap 56 to the homogenizing chamber 50 defines ahollow interior 66 of the homogenizing chamber 50 (see FIG. 7). Thehollow interior 66 is at least partially bounded by an inner surface 67.The shredder 52 is disposed within the hollow interior 66 of thehomogenizing chamber 50 for rotation therein and adjacent to the innersurface 67. The shredder 52 is driven for rotational movement within thehollow interior 66 of the homogenizing chamber 50 by the driving motor30 via engagement with the drive coupler 48. Accordingly, the sealingelement 54 and the end cap 56 each include a circular hole 64, 65 attheir respective centers through which the drive coupler 48 penetrates.Similarly, the shredder 52 includes a socket 71 (see FIG. 9) that ismechanically coupled to the drive shaft 32 of the driving motor 30, suchas via the driven shaft 40 and drive coupler 48. The holes 64, 65 andsocket 71 are arranged coaxially with the drive coupler 48.

The homogenizer assembly 24 can include various features. In oneexample, the homogenizing chamber 50, inlet chute 58, exit spout 60, andtwist-lock coupler 45 can all be formed together as a monolithicstructure. For example, the homogenizing chamber 50, inlet chute 58,exit spout 60, and twist-lock coupler 45 can all be molded together as asingle part. Forming these parts together as a single unit can bebeneficial to reduce manufacturing costs, as well as simplifyingoperation. Still, any or all of these parts can be provided separatelyand coupled together to form a monolithic structure.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the portions of the homogenizer assembly 24 canbe arranged variously. In one example, the homogenizing chamber 50 cancomprise an exterior surface 69, and the inlet chute 58 can be arrangedgenerally perpendicular relative to the exterior surface 69. Such anarrangement can permit the inlet chute 58 to extend generally straightand vertically upwards from the base 22 (e.g., see FIG. 3), and/or canalso arrange the inlet chute 58 to be generally perpendicular to theshredder 52. In another example, the inlet chute 58 and exit spout 60can be arranged generally 180 degrees apart, though other angulararrangements are contemplated.

Turning now to FIGS. 8-9, the shredder 52 includes a generally conicalbody extending from a generally cylindrical base 70 towards a vertex 72and defines an upper conical surface 74. Though it is understood thatthe term “vertex” refers to the point farthest from the base, as usedherein, the term “vertex” is intended to generally refer to the endregion of the conical geometry of the shredder 52. Thus, while thevertex 72 of the shredder 52, as shown, does include the point furthestfrom the cylindrical base 70, it is also intended to include the overallregion located about said furthest point. The shredder 52 may have across section having a larger diameter about the cylindrical base 70that tapers to a smaller diameter about the vertex 72. The upper conicalsurface 74 is arranged at an angle relative to the generally cylindricalbase 70, such as at an approximately 45° angle. The shredder 52 may beformed of a number of food-safe materials, such as thermoplastic,aluminum or stainless steel.

The shredder 52 includes the socket 71 described above for receiving thedrive coupler 48. The internal geometry of the socket 71 corresponds tothat of the keyed geometry of the drive coupler 48. For example, asillustrated, where the drive coupler 48 has a male hexagonal geometry,the socket 71 has a corresponding female hexagonal geometry. Inadditionally or alternatively, the socket 71 can also include othergeometry, such as rounded indents in some or all of the walls of thehexagonal geometry, etc. The socket 71 can be supported within theunderside of the shredder 52 by a plurality of flanges 84 orientedperpendicularly to the socket 71. In the shown example, there are sixflanges 84 having a generally equal space therebetween. It is to beunderstood that the flanges 84 may take any shape, such as flat, square,or may comprise one or more protrusions, etc. The flanges 84 may alsoprovide structural support for the remainder of the shredder 52.

The shredder 52 further includes a plurality of blades 76 arrangedradially outward from the upper conical surface 74 and extending from anupper portion towards a lower portion of the shredder 52. Thoughillustrated as only extending along a portion of the shredder 52, it isto be understood that the blades may extend completely from about thevertex 72 to the generally cylindrical base 70. In one example, theplurality of blades 76 are arranged generally parallel with the upperconical surface 74, and as such are arranged at a similar 45° anglerelative to the cylindrical base 70. The blades 76 may be orientedperpendicularly to the upper conical surface 74 of the shredder 52.

The plurality of blades 76 can be arranged variously about the shredder52. For example, the plurality of blades 76 can be generally equallyspaced about the upper conical surface 74. It is also contemplated thatthe plurality of blades 76 can be arranged in various groupings,patterns, randomly, etc. Moreover, various numbers of blades 76 can beutilized. In the shown example, the plurality of blades 76 can includesix blades. All of the blades can be identical, though any could also bedifferent.

The blades 76 can also have different geometries and/or cuttingfeatures. In the shown example, the plurality of blades 76 can beserrated to provide a greater cutting or shredding action. For example,each of the plurality of blades 76 can have a plurality of teeth thatform a repeating, triangular peak-and-valley serration, though otherserration patterns are contemplated. In one example, the serrationpattern can be formed by casting or stamping the desired blade patternout of a solid piece of metal or other rigid material. In addition oralternatively, the edges of the desired serration pattern describedabove can even be further serrated. For example, some or all of thenumerous edges of the teeth that form the shown triangularpeak-and-valley serration can themselves be further serrated to providean even greater cutting or shredding action. In addition oralternatively, the teeth of the plurality of blades 76 can have varioustooth configurations, such as straight tooth, beveled tooth, alternatingbeveled tooth, etc. In addition or alternatively, different parts of theblades 76 can have different features, geometries, etc. to performdifferent actions.

The plurality of blades 76 can be manufactured in various manners. Inone example, the shredder 52 can be formed from a thermoplasticmaterial. Some or all of the plurality of blades 76 can be moldedtogether with the shredder 52. For example, the plurality of blades canbe formed together with the upper conical surface 74 as a monolithicstructure. Serrations or other design features can similarly be molded.

Alternatively, as shown, the shredder 52 can be formed from athermoplastic material but the plurality of blades 76 can be formed ofmetal or other rigid material. Each of the plurality of blades 76 can beindividually manufactured (i.e., stamped, cast, etc.) and assembledtogether with the thermoplastic shredder 52. As can be appreciated, theplurality of blades 76 can be removably or non-removably coupled to theshredder 52.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper conical surface 74 of theshredder 52 can include a plurality of linear slots 80 extending atleast partially between the generally cylindrical base 70 and the vertex72. Each of the linear slots 80 is configured to receive one of theplurality of blades 76. Additionally, the shredder 52 can include aremovable top 78 that defines the vertex 72. The removable top 78 can beheld on by various mechanical fasteners 79, such as screws, clips,threads, etc. The removable top 78 may also include anti-spinning pins81 or the like that are retained by corresponding holes 83 or the likein the top of the shredder 52 to inhibit the removable top 78 fromspinning or moving relative to the rest of the shredder 52. Removal ofthe top 78 from the shredder 52 provides access to an open end 82 ofeach of the plurality of linear slots 80. Thus, each of the blades 76can be slidingly received by one of the linear slots 80 via itsrespective open end 82 and towards a closed end 85. The blades 76 may beremovably or non-removably received by the linear slots 80. For example,the blades 76 can be removably received in the linear slots 80 to beremoved at a later time for repair or replacement. Alternatively, theblades 76 can be non-removably received in the linear slots 80 bymechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc. Once all of the bladesare inserted into the linear slots 80, the removable top 78 can besecured to the shredder 52 to inhibit removal of the blades 76. It isfurther contemplated that some of the blades can be molded together withthe shredder 52, while other blades can be later attached to theshredder 52.

The shredder 52 can include various other features. For example, theshredder 52 can be provided with structure to facilitate the shreddingand homogenizing action performed on the food ingredients to form thesoft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet. In oneexample, the upper conical surface 74 of the shredder 52 can includestructure to facilitate the flow of the shredded/homogenized food aroundand across the plurality of blades 76. As shown in FIG. 8, the upperconical surface 74 can include at least one depression 86 disposedbetween an adjacent pair of the plurality of blades 76. Various numbersof depressions 86 can be provided. As shown, a total of six depressions86 can be provided between adjacent pairs of the six blades 76. Thedepressions 86 can each have identical, similar, or differentgeometries. In one example, each depression 86 can include a generallytriangular geometry that follows the generally conical geometry of theshredder 52. Additionally, the depressions 86 can have gradually slopingsides 88 to facilitate the flow of shredded/homogenized food into andout of the depressions 86 and across an adjacent blade 76. Theinteraction of the depressions 86 and the inner surface 67 of thehomogenizing chamber 50 can even create a pumping-type action tofacilitate movement and/or homogenizing of the food. Still, the sides ofthe depressions 86 can have various geometries, such as sharp abruptwalls or heavily ramped slopes. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, at least aportion of the depressions 86 can be formed by the removable top 78.

The interface between the homogenizing chamber 50 and the shredder 52 iscontrolled in order for the food ingredients to be shredded/homogenizedto the desired soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream orsherbet. As described above, the hollow interior 66 of the homogenizingchamber 50 is at least partially bounded by the inner surface 67, andthe shredder 52 is driven by the driving motor 30 to rotate within thehollow interior 66 and adjacent the inner surface 67 (see FIG. 3).Turning now to FIG. 10, which shows detail view 10 of FIG. 3, a gapdistance D between the plurality of blades 76 of the shredder 52 and theinner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber 50 is controlled. In oneexample, at least one blade 76 includes a terminal blade edge 77. Forexample, the terminal blade edge 77 can be the most outwardly extendingportion of each blade 76. Here, the distance D is measured as betweenthe terminal blade edge 77 and the inner surface 67 of the homogenizingchamber 50. In one example, a maximum gap D between the terminal bladeedge 77 and the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber 50 is inthe range of about 2 millimeters to about 4 millimeters. In otherexamples, the maximum gap D is about 3 mm, 2.5 mm, or even 2 mm, thoughother lesser or greater distances are contemplated. Additionally, eachof the plurality of blades 76 can include a respective terminal bladeedge 77, each of which will define a respective gap with the innersurface 67. In one example, a maximum gap D between any of said terminalblade edges 77 and the interior surface of the homogenizing chamber 50is about 3 millimeters.

In addition or alternatively, rotation of the shredder 52 within thehomogenizing chamber 50 is controlled such that the shredder 52 isrotationally supported. For example, rotational support of the shredder52 during rotation thereof can facilitate maintaining the maximum gap Ddescribed above, and/or prevent unwanted vibration, binding, wear, etc.Turning to FIG. 11, which shows detail view 11 of FIG. 3, a rotationalsupport 90 is disposed within the homogenizing chamber 50 such that theshredder 52 is axially supported for rotation within the homogenizingchamber 50 between the drive shaft 32 and the rotational support 90.Thus, at one end, the shredder 52 can be rotationally supported via theinterface between the socket 71 and the drive coupler 48. The drivecoupler 48 can be axially supported by a bearing 49 or the like of thedriven shaft 40. At the other end, the vertex 72 of the shredder 52 isrotationally supported by the rotational support 90.

Various types of rotational supports 90 can be provided. In one example,the rotational support 90 can include a concave socket and the shredder52 can include convex structure configured to be rotationally supportedby the socket (or vice-versa). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the vertex 72of the shredder 52 can include a convex, ball-shaped support 92configured to interface with the concave, rotational support 90. Thus,the ball-shaped support 92 can rotate within the concave rotationalsupport 90 during rotation of the shredder 52. It is understood that theillustration of FIG. 11 is drawn for clarity, and that the interface ofrotational support 90 and ball-shaped support 92 is intended to providea good fit. It is contemplated that the concave socket of the rotationalsupport 90 can receive a substantial portion of the ball-shaped support92 such that the vertex 72 of the shredder 52 is inhibited, such asprevented, from tilting or substantially changing angle to therebymaintain the vertex 72 in axial alignment with the drive coupler 48during rotation of the shredder 52.

The rotational support 90 can be provided variously within thehomogenizing chamber 50. In one example, the rotational support 90 isformed together with the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber50. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the rotational support 90can be molded together with the inner surface 67. In other examples, therotational support 90 can be provided separate from and be coupled tothe inner surface 67, such as by mechanical fasteners, adhesives,welding, etc. In still yet other examples, the rotational support 90 caninclude at least one of a bushing and a bearing. For example, thebushing or bearing could be coupled to the inner surface 67, and thevertex 72 of the shredder 52 could removably interface with and berotationally supported by the bushing or bearing.

As described herein, the driven shaft 40 and drive coupler 48 arearranged at a 45° angle relative to the base 22, and the socket 71 ofthe shredder 52 is retained on the drive coupler 48. Similarly, theupper conical surface 74 of the shredder 52 is arranged at anapproximately 45° angle relative to the generally cylindrical base 70.Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, the combined angles of the drivecoupler 48 and the upper conical surface 74 can orient the plurality ofblades 76 to pass generally parallel to the inner surface 67 of thehomogenizing chamber 50 when the shredder 52 rotates. Moreover, becauseof the orientation of the inlet chute 58 as generally perpendicularrelative to the inner and/or exterior surfaces 67, 69 relative to theshredder 52, the food travelling along the inlet chute 58 and into thehomogenizing chamber 50 will engage the plurality of blades 76 of theshredder at a generally 90° or perpendicular orientation. The food willthen continue to be shredded/homogenized within the homogenizing chamber50 by the plurality of blades 76 as the shredder 52 rotates, untilfinally discharged via the exit spout 60. It is to be understood,however, that the shredder 52 axis may be oriented at various angles,depending on the embodiment. For instance, the shredder 52 axis may beoriented at greater than or less than a 45° angle, and the food maycontact the blades 76 at other angles.

After the food is sufficiently shredded and/or homogenized, it isdischarged from the homogenizing chamber 50 via the exit spout 60 andinto an awaiting bowl 26 cup, jar, etc. Thus, the exit spout 60 providesfluid communication between hollow interior 66 of the homogenizingchamber 50 and an outside environment. The exit spout 60 issubstantially vertically oriented and located above the bowl 26 to allowthe effects of centrifugal force and gravity to help discharge the foodinto the bowl 26.

Turning now to FIG. 12, which is a sectional view taken along line 12-12of FIG. 5, the exit spout 60 includes various features to facilitatedischarging the food therefrom. For example, the exit spout 60 includesa non-symmetrical depression 100 formed with the inner surface 67 of thehomogenizing chamber 50 that provides an exit aperture 101 (see FIGS. 3and 7). The depression extends from a first portion having a generallygradual slope 102 relative to the inner surface 67 of the homogenizingchamber 50, and towards a second portion having a generally abrupt slope104 defining an end face 106 that is arranged at an angle greater thanabout 60° relative to the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber50. In one example, the end face 106 is arranged generally perpendicular(i.e., 90°) relative to the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber50, though various angles are contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is appreciated that the shredder 52 rotates inthe direction shown by arrow R (i.e., counter-clockwise, as shown).Thus, as the shredder 52 rotates within the homogenizing chamber 50 toshred/homogenize the food, the homogenized food product contained withinthe homogenizing chamber 50 correspondingly moves through along thedirection or arrow R. As the food product approaches the exit spout 60,it will gradually enter the region of the exit spout 60 along thegenerally gradual slope 102 of the first portion. As additional foodproduct enters and continues to fill the depression 100 of the exitspout 60, some of the food product will next encounter the generallyabrupt slope 104 and strike the end face 106. Due to the generallyabrupt slope 104 of the second portion, as well as the relatively smalldistance D between the blades 76 and inner surface 67, relatively littleof the food product will re-enter the homogenizing chamber 50. Instead,the food will impinge upon the end face 106, forcing the food to bedischarged via the exit aperture 101.

To further facilitate discharge of the blended/homogenized food product,the non-symmetrical depression provides the exit aperture 101 with anincreasing cross-sectional area having a maximum value adjacent the endface 106. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, the cross-sectionalarea of the exit aperture 101 increases gradually from the first portionabout the gradual slope 102 towards the second portion about the abruptslope 104 to permit an increasing amount of blended/homogenized foodproduct to accumulate against the end face 106.

Additionally, because the non-symmetrical depression can be adjacent toand/or formed together with the inner surface 67, it is to beappreciated that the distance D measured as between the terminal bladeedge 77 and depression may be greater than the aforedescribed 3millimeters. Finally, the exit spout can further include a guard 108extending across at least a portion of the exit aperture 101. As shownin FIG. 7, the guard 108 can be a thin barrier wall that extends acrossthe length of the exit aperture 101, and possibly a distance up into theexit spout 60, though various geometries are contemplated. The guard 108is configured to inhibit, such as prevent, foreign objects from enteringthe homogenizing chamber 50.

Turning now to FIG. 13, which shows detail view 13 of FIG. 3, the foodhomogenizer 20 further includes the sealing element 54 that isconfigured to provide a fluid-tight seal between the base 22 and thehomogenizer assembly 24. More specifically, the sealing element 54 isconfigured to retain the blended/homogenized food within thehomogenizing chamber 50 against internal pressures developed duringoperation, though still permits the food to be discharged via the exitspout 60. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, the sealing element 54 is disposedbetween the shredder 52 and the end cap 56. Additionally, the sealingelement 54 is manufactured of a flexible, food-impermeable material suchas rubber, silicone, etc. It is to be appreciated that the sealingelement 54 has a very complex shape. Although the sealing element 54 isdescribed herein as a single, monolithic seal that provides multiplesealing points, multiple seals could also be utilized. Moreover, whilethe sealing element 54 can have a uniform geometry when rotated aboutits central axis, it can also have a non-uniform geometry.

The sealing element 54 includes first sealing flange 110 abutting andcircumscribing the socket 71 of the shredder 52 to provide a generallycontinuous seal between the socket 71 and the homogenizing chamber 50.As shown in FIG. 4, the first sealing flange 110 circumscribes theannular hole 64 extending through the sealing element 54. The socket 71is at least partially insertable through the annular hole such that thefirst sealing flange 110 acts as a lip seal against the socket 71. Thus,the geometry of the hole 64 corresponds to the exterior geometry of thesocket 71 of the shredder 52. In order to provide the lip seal with atight fit, the cross-sectional area (i.e., diameter, as shown) of thehole is slightly less than the exterior, peripheral cross-sectional area(i.e., diameter, as shown) of the socket 71. Still, during operation theshredder 52 rotates relative to the stationary sealing element 54, andthe lip seal provided by the first sealing flange 110 is resilientenough to accommodate this motion. Additionally, the first sealingflange 110 can include a raised lip 112 extending along the entireperiphery thereof. The raised lip 112 can bound the entire periphery ofthe annular hole, such that the raised lip 112 abuts the socket 71 ofthe shredder 52 when the socket 71 is at least partially insertedthrough the annular hole 64 to provide a fluid-tight seal with reducedfriction. Thus, when the shredder 52 rotates during operation, theexterior periphery of the socket 71 will rotate against the raised lip112 to provide at least one fluid-tight seal between the base 22 and thehomogenizer assembly 24.

Additionally, the sealing element 54 can include geometry thatcooperates with the end cap 56, or even other portions of thehomogenizer assembly 24, to facilitate registry of the sealing element54. In one example, the sealing element 54 can include an annular ringseal 114 projecting upwards from an inner surface that is inserted intoa corresponding annular recess 116 of the end cap 56. The annular ringseal 114 can be received into and sealingly engage the annular recess116 with a relatively tight fit when the end cap 56 is coupled to thehomogenizing chamber 50. Thus, seating the annular ring seal 114 withinthe annular recess 116 can provide proper registration and placement ofthe first sealing flange 110 relative to the socket 71 of the shredder52. In addition or alternatively, a raised side edge 118 of the end cap56 can provide a fulcrum or the like to support and/or control theresilient deflection of the first sealing flange 110 against the socket71. The annular ring seal 114, annular recess 116, and raised side edge118 can further cooperate to provide a labyrinth seal. In addition oralternatively, the sealing element 54 can include a sloped region 117that closely follows the contour of a sloping wall 119 of the end cap56.

The sealing element 54 can provide additional seal points. In oneexample, the sealing element 54 can include a second sealing flange 120providing a generally continuous seal about an interface between thegenerally cylindrical base 70 of the shredder 52 and the end cap 56. Thesecond sealing flange 120 can extend outward in a cantilevered fashionfrom the sloped region 117, and can be resiliently deflected and/ordeformed. As shown in FIG. 13, the second sealing flange 120 isconfigured to contact and seal against the entire periphery of a bottomedge 122 of the generally cylindrical base 70. In the shown example, thelocation at which the second sealing flange 120 is coupled to the slopedregion 117 is arranged vertically above the location of the bottom edge122 when the shredder 52 is arranged within the homogenizing chamber 50.Thus, engagement of the bottom edge 122 with the second sealing flange120 will cause resilient deflection/deformation of the second sealingflange 120 to provide a continuous seal about the entire periphery ofthe bottom edge 122. Still, during operation the shredder 52 rotatesrelative to the second sealing flange 120, and seal provided thereby isresilient enough to accommodate this motion. Thus, when the shredder 52rotates during operation, the periphery of the bottom edge 122 willrotate against the resiliently deflected/deformed second sealing flange120 to provide at least another fluid-tight seal between the base 22 andthe homogenizer assembly 24.

In another example, the sealing element can further include a thirdsealing flange 130 providing a generally continuous seal about aninterface 132 between the end cap 56 and the homogenizing chamber 50. Asshown, the third sealing flange 130 can be relatively flat and receivedinto a corresponding base annular recess 134 of the end cap 56 with arelatively tight fit. Thus, when the end cap 56 is screwed onto thebottom of the homogenizing chamber 50, the third sealing flange 130 issandwich between an inner surface of the base annular recess 134 of theend cap 56 and a lower end wall 136 of the homogenizing chamber 50 toprovide at least another fluid-tight seal between the base 22 and thehomogenizer assembly 24.

Additionally, the end cap 56 can apply a compressive force against thethird sealing flange 130 when the end cap 56 is coupled to thehomogenizing chamber 50. For instance, the third sealing flange 130 maybe compressed between the annular recess 134 and the lower end wall 136of the homogenizing chamber 50. Similarly, assembly of the end cap ontothe homogenizing chamber 50 can also apply a compressive force betweenthe cantilevered second sealing flange 120 and the bottom edge 122 ofthe shredder 52.

The food based homogenizer 20 can include various other features.Turning back to FIGS. 3-4, the plunger 62 is configured to be at leastpartially received by the inlet chute 58. During operation, food to beblended/homogenized is inserted into an open end 140 of inlet chute 58,and the body 142 of the plunger 62 is then inserted into the open end140 to press the food down the inlet chute 58 and into contact with therotating shredder 52 via an inlet opening 145 into the homogenizingchamber 50. The plunger 62 has a continuous surface, and a relativelyblunt, terminal face 144 located at one end of the body 142 is used topress the food downwards. Due to the relatively tight tolerances withinthe homogenizing chamber 50, the food generally resists entering thehomogenizing chamber. As such, it is beneficial to have a relativelyclose tolerance between the plunger 62 and the inlet chute 58 to inhibitfood from back-feeding upwards. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, theinlet chute 58 defines an inner cross-sectional area, and the plunger 62comprises an elongate body having a cross-sectional area thatsubstantially extends across the inner cross-sectional area of the inletchute 58. Various cooperating cross-sectional geometries can be used. Inone example, the inlet chute 58 has a generally circular cross-sectionalarea with a diameter, and the body of the plunger 62 has a similargenerally circular cross-sectional area with a slightly larger diameter.Similarly, the cross-sectional geometry of the terminal face 144 canextend substantially across the inlet 145 of the homogenizing chamber50.

Additionally, as discussed previously, the interface between thehomogenizing chamber 50 and the shredder 52 is controlled in order toprovide the desired resulting food consistency. To this end, it isbeneficial to maintain a generally consistent interface across theterminal face 144 of the plunger 62 when fully inserted into the inletchute 58. As described and shown in at least FIG. 7, the inner surface67 of the homogenizing chamber 50 has a curved geometry (i.e.,corresponding generally to the conical geometry of the shredder 52). Theterminal face 144 of the plunger 62 also has a similarly curved geometrythat cooperates with the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber 50to provide said generally consistent interface when the plunger 62 isfully inserted into the inlet chute 58. That is, the terminal face 144of the plunger 62 can have a curved geometry that closes off the inletopening 145 and generally matches the conical geometry of the innersurface 67. Due to the relatively complex geometry of a conical surface,the terminal face 144 can include a non-symmetrical geometry, alongmultiple axes, in order to correspond with the conical inner surface 67of the homogenizing chamber 50. Still, because the plunger 62 is movablerelative to the homogenizing chamber, it is to be appreciated that thedistance D measured as between the terminal blade edge 77 and theterminal face 144 may be less than or greater than the aforedescribed 3millimeters (i.e., see FIG. 10).

In addition or alternatively, the plunger 62 can further include anenlarged handle 146 distally located from the curved terminal face 144that is configured to mate with the open end 140 of the inlet chute 58to provide a stop. For example, the stop can limit insertion of theplunger 62 into the inlet chute 58. The enlarged handle 146 can beconfigured to abut an enlarged flange 148 disposed at the upper end ofthe inlet chute 58. In one example, the enlarged handle 146 can limitthe plunger 62 to an insertion depth where the curved terminal face 144cooperates with the homogenizing chamber 50 to provide the generallycontinuous inner surface 67 for the homogenizing chamber 50. Still, theenlarged handle 146 can limit the plunger 62 to various desiredinsertion depths.

In addition or alternatively, the open end 140 of the inlet chute 58 caninclude a non-symmetrical geometry, and the enlarged handle 146 can alsoinclude a non-symmetrical geometry that corresponds with saidnon-symmetrical geometry of the open end 140 of the inlet chute 58. Forexample, the corresponding non-symmetrical geometries can includecurved, ramped, stepped, etc. geometries that can be used to properlyalign the plunger 62 with the inlet chute 58 such that the plunger 62 isarranged at the desired insertion depth. In another example, thecorresponding non-symmetrical geometries can be used to properly alignthe plunger 62 with the inlet chute 58 such that the terminal face 144cooperates with the inner surface 67 of the homogenizing chamber 50 toprovide said generally consistent interface when the plunger 62 is fullyinserted into the inlet chute 58.

The food based homogenizer 20 can include still other various additionalfeatures. In one example, turning back to FIG. 2, the homogenizerassembly 24 can be provided with an auxiliary inlet chute 150(schematically illustrated) for feeding berries or other items in at thesame time a major food product is being fed into the main inlet chute58. For example, the main inlet chute 58 can be used for bananas, whilethe auxiliary inlet chute 150 is used to introduce other fruits, mix-insand/or flavorings (e.g., simultaneously, sequentially, etc.). Inaddition or alternatively, the auxiliary inlet chute 150 can he providedwith a liquid supply reservoir 156 for providing generally non-solidflavorings or additives (i.e., liquids, gels, slurries, etc.) to thehomogenizing chamber 50.

The auxiliary inlet chute 150 can be similar to the main inlet chute 58,though can be relatively bigger or smaller. As shown, the auxiliaryinlet chute 150 is separate from the main inlet chute 58 and can feeditems into the homogenizing chamber 50 via an auxiliary inlet opening(not shown). The auxiliary inlet chute 150 can be provided with its ownauxiliary plunger 152 that can similarly provide an enlarged handle 154that is configured to mate with an open end of the auxiliary inlet chute150 to provide a stop. The auxiliary inlet chute 150 can have a similargeometry, orientation, etc. as the main inlet chute 58 relative to thehomogenizing chamber 50 to similarly feed items generally perpendicularto the blades 76, though could also be arranged at various other angles.The auxiliary inlet chute 150 can also have a terminal face (not shown)that has a similarly curved geometry that cooperates with the innersurface 67 of the homogenizing chamber 50 to provide said generallyconsistent interface when the auxiliary plunger 152 is fully insertedinto the auxiliary inlet chute 150. The auxiliary inlet chute 150 couldalso be located variously about the homogenizing chamber 50. Althoughillustrated as a separate element, it is contemplated that the auxiliaryinlet chute 150 could be coupled to or formed with the main inlet chute58 for feeding items into the homogenizing chamber via the same inletopening 145.

In yet another example additional feature, turning now to FIG. 3, thefood based homogenizer 20 can include a leverage handle 160(schematically illustrated) mechanically attached to the plunger 62 thatcan increase the force and/or pressure the plunger 62 puts down theinlet chute 58 so that the operator does not have to use as much oftheir own effort to push it down. The leverage handle 160 can be usefulin commercial, high-speed, and/or high-volume environments. Thus, theleverage handle 160 can provide an increased mechanical advantage on theplunger 62. The leverage handle 160 can include a handle support 162coupled to the base 22 at various locations. The leverage handle 160 canbe movably coupled to the handle support 162 variously (e.g., rotatably,pivotally, slidingly, etc.) to provide the desired motion and/ormechanical advantage.

The leverage handle 160 can be mechanically coupled to the plunger 62(e.g., about the enlarged handle 146) via a driving element 164. Thedriving element 164 can be directly coupled to the plunger 62, such thatmovement of the leverage handle 160 upwards or downwards also causessimilar upwards or downwards movement of the plunger 62. Alternatively,the driving element 164 of the leverage handle 160 can only beindirectly coupled to the plunger 62 via an abutment-type interface suchthat only downwards movement of the leverage handle 160 causes movementof the plunger 62 (i.e., also downwards). In either case, the leveragehandle 160 can be detachable from the plunger 62 to facilitate cleaningand/or maintenance. In addition or alternatively, the leverage handle160 (or even an auxiliary handle, not shown) could even be adapted towork together with the auxiliary inlet chute 150 (e.g., simultaneously,independently, etc.). In still yet another example, the leverage handle160 could be coupled to force generator, such as a powered motor (e.g.,electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.), for driving the plunger 62upwards and/or downwards.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, also may find a useful application in other types ofconstructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in afrozen fruit-based dessert homogenizer, it is not intended to be limitedto the details shown, since various modifications and structural changesmay be made without departing in any way from the spirit or the presentinvention.

The invention has been described with reference to the exampleembodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examplesembodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention areintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A food homogenizer, comprising: a base comprisinga driving motor with a drive shaft; and a homogenizer assembly removablycoupled to the base, comprising: a homogenizing chamber; a rotationalsupport disposed within the homogenizing chamber; and a shredderdisposed within the homogenizing chamber and driven by the driving motorfor rotational movement within the homogenizing chamber, the shredderbeing axially supported for rotation within the homogenizing chamberbetween the drive shaft and the rotational support.
 2. The foodhomogenizer of claim 1, wherein the homogenizing chamber comprises aninner surface, and the rotational support is formed together with theinner surface.
 3. The food homogenizer of claim 1, wherein therotational support comprises a socket and the shredder comprises aball-shaped support configured to be rotationally supported by thesocket.
 4. The food homogenizer of claim 3, wherein the shreddercomprises a conical geometry with a vertex, and the ball-shaped supportdefines said vertex.
 5. The food homogenizer of claim 4, wherein theshredder comprises a plurality of blades extending toward the vertex. 6.The food homogenizer of claim 5, wherein the shredder comprises at leastone depression disposed between an adjacent pair of the plurality ofblades.
 7. The food homogenizer of claim 1, wherein the rotationalsupport comprises at least one of a bushing and a bearing.
 8. A foodhomogenizer, comprising: a base comprising a driving motor with a driveshaft; a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base, comprising:a homogenizing chamber, a shredder driven by the drive shaft forrotational movement within the homogenizing chamber, the shreddercomprising a socket mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, and an endcap removably coupled to the homogenizing chamber to retain the shredderwithin the homogenizing chamber; and a sealing element configured toprovide a fluid-tight seal between the base and the homogenizerassembly, comprising a first sealing flange abutting and circumscribingthe socket of the shredder to provide a generally continuous sealbetween the socket and the homogenizing chamber.
 9. The food homogenizerof claim 8, wherein the first sealing flange circumscribes an annularhole extending through the sealing element, and wherein the socket ofthe shredder is at least partially insertable through the annular holesuch that the first sealing flange acts as a lip seal against thesocket.
 10. The food homogenizer of claim 9, wherein the first sealingflange comprises a raised lip extending along the entire peripherythereof.
 11. The food homogenizer of claim 10, wherein the raised lipabuts the socket of the shredder when the socket is at least partiallyinserted through the annular hole.
 12. The food homogenizer of claim 8,wherein the end cap is removably coupled to the homogenizer chamber by athreaded coupling and applies a compressive force against the sealingelement when the end cap is coupled to the homogenizing chamber.
 13. Thefood homogenizer of claim 8, wherein the shredder comprises a generallycylindrical base, and wherein the sealing element further comprises asecond sealing flange providing a generally continuous seal about aninterface between the generally cylindrical base of the shredder and theend cap.
 14. The food homogenizer of claim 13, wherein the sealingelement further comprises a third sealing flange providing a generallycontinuous seal about an interface between the end cap and thehomogenizing chamber.
 15. The food homogenizer of claim 8, wherein thesealing element further comprises an annular ring seal projectingupwards from an inner surface, and wherein the end cap further comprisesan annular recess adapted to receive and sealingly engage the annularring seal when the end cap is coupled to the homogenizing chamber.
 16. Afood homogenizer, comprising: a base; and a homogenizer assemblyremovably coupled to the base, comprising: a homogenizing chamber; aninlet chute in fluid communication with the homogenizing chamber; anexit spout separate from the inlet chute and in fluid communication withthe homogenizing chamber, a wall portion extending across at least aportion of the exit spout.
 17. The food homogenizer of claim 16, whereinthe inlet chute and exit spout are arranged generally 180 degrees apart.18. The food homogenizer of claim 16, wherein the homogenizing chambercomprises an exterior surface, and the inlet chute is arranged generallyperpendicular relative to the exterior surface and opens directly intothe homogenizing chamber.
 19. The food homogenizer of claim 16, furthercomprising a plunger configured to be received by the inlet chute andhaving a curved terminal face that cooperates with the homogenizingchamber to provide a generally continuous inner surface for thehomogenizing chamber.
 20. The food homogenizer of claim 16, wherein thebase comprises a mounting aperture adapted to engage the twist-lockcoupler to couple the homogenizer assembly to the base.